Assistant Principal's report

Neurodiversity Week: Hoodie Up on 19th March!

March 16-20th is Neurodiversity Week in Australia, leading into World Autism Month in April. At Kalinda we will be participating in a 'Hoodie Up' day to promote conversation about neurodiversity and the importance of recognising that every brain is different. 

Classes might use a range of quality picture story books to promote these conversations, or share understanding as part of their morning Circle Time. If your child is neurodivergent and would like to share their experience with their classmates in a safe and inclusive way, please chat with the class teacher. Of course, there is no expectation that they will do so, but many children value the opportunity to celebrate their individual strengths in this way.  There are many ways a teacher can help them to do so.

On Thursday 19th March, all members of the school community are invited to wear their favourite Hoodie to school for the day. Students who wish to participate should wear their hoodie over the uniform, this is not a free dress day and we are not collecting donations.

Why Hoodies?

For many Autistic people, hoodies are practical and familiar. They may support comfort, regulation, or a sense of safety. Hoodie Up uses this everyday item as a visible way to take part without requiring explanation, performance, or disclosure.

Hoodies are everywhere. They’re practical. Comfortable. Personal. They’re worn for different reasons, in different ways, by different people. Hoodie Up 2026 celebrates diversity as something lived, not labelled. Something you can see in the small choices people make to feel comfortable, confident, and themselves. Wearing a hoodie is also a simple, visible way for school communities to start conversations about difference, understanding and acceptance – and to show that everyone belongs. Source: https://www.amaze.org.au/get-involved/hoodie-up/

Understanding new attendance codes in Compass

You may notice some updated attendance codes appearing in Compass when you enter an attendance note for your child. These changes reflect updated requirements from the Victorian Department of Education (DET) and are now being implemented across Victorian government schools, including those using Compass.

Why have the codes changed?

 DET has refined attendance categories to ensure:

• Greater consistency across all Victorian government schools
• Accurate recording of student absences
• Clearer differentiation between approved and unapproved absences
• Improved state-wide attendance data and reporting

These updates help schools better monitor attendance and provide support where needed.

What Parents Might Notice

When entering an attendance note in Compass, you may now see more specific categories than previously available. For example, the options you will be given are: 

• Medical or Illness
• Healthcare appointment, offsite
• Bereavement
• Sorry Business (an approved absence for First Nations students attending to cultural, ceremonial, and family obligations surrounding death, illness, or bereavement.
• Truancy, off-site (this very rarely applies to Primary School students)
• Extended family holiday (For holidays of more than 3 days, please send an email to Kalinda.ps@education.vic.gov.au to have this officially approved)
• Religious or cultural observance
• Parent choice, school-unapproved (this simply means that the reason does not fit the list of pre-approved absences)

If no note is entered, the absence will remain recorded as “unexplained” until clarified.

What This Means for Families

There is no change to the expectation that families notify the school of absences as soon as possible. However:

• Providing clear and specific information helps us code the absence correctly.
• Some family holidays during school time may be recorded as a “parent choice” absence under DET guidelines. 
• We are required to note Principal approval for family holidays longer than 3 days, please email the Principal via the school office in this case. 
• Medical certificates may still be requested in certain circumstances.

If you are unsure which option to select, simply provide a brief explanation in the notes section and the school will apply the appropriate DET code.

At Kalinda Primary School, we know that strong attendance supports student learning, wellbeing and connection. These updated codes simply help us to meet statewide requirements while continuing to work in partnership with families. If you have any questions about attendance recording, please contact the school office, Shaun McClare or myself. 

Lauren Hopkins

We are kind. We are resilient. We are respectful.